With World Travel Awards preparing to host the annual Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the Seychelles on June 20th, Seychelles Breweries has been selected as the Welcome Drinks Sponsor for the event.

Here managing director Patricia Berthelot sits down with Breaking Travel News editor to discuss the brewery, the Seychelles, and their aspirations for the upcoming Gala Ceremony.

Breaking Travel News: Can we start with a brief overview of Seychelles Breweries, what is it you offer to the market in this exciting tourism destination?

Patricia Berthelot: Seychelles Breweries has been in existence since 1970 and in 1972 saw us produce what is still today one of the most iconic brand in Seychelles, the Seybrew.

In 1993 we became the official bottler of Coca-Cola in Seychelles and in the same year we were acquired by Diageo, the largest spirit company in the world.

We are the official distributor of Diageo Spirit brands in Seychelles and we have brands such as Johnnie Walker, Cîroc, Zacapa, and Tanqueray to name a few.

Seychelles being a world class destination means that the tourist coming from all over the globe expect everything world class and our brands allows us to help them enjoy their stay in Seychelles.

We offer to the industry the best experience and know-how and let them treat their guests.

BTN: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being part of a large drinks groups such as Diageo?

PB: As stated we represent Diageo in Seychelles and we offer to the hotels and the industry world class brands.

This allows us to offer to the international guests the same world class experience.

The international hotel chains being represented in Seychelles have the experience of working with Diageo across the globe and we endeavour to offer the same level of service here locally.

BTN: How important has tourism been in the successful growth of Seychelles Breweries? How do you collaborate with the hospitality sector?

PB: Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Seychelles economy and has continued to grow over the years. We see the direct growth of the tourism sector as strategic for us.

In addition to offering world class brands to the visitors coming here, we are also able to offer them products that are ‘Distinctly Seychellois’.

BTN: Seychelles Breweries recently partnered with the World Travel Awards as Welcome Drinks Sponsor for the upcoming Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony. What can you tell us about this relationship?

PB: We work closely with the hotels and resorts based in Seychelles and the World Travel Awards offers us the perfect opportunity to showcase our brands to our partners what we can offer.

It is the first time we have worked with the World Travel Award and we look forward to working with them when they next come to Seychelles.